Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Kalvin Phillips wants a move away from Leeds this summer. The England international has been out with a hamstring injury since December but is set to make a return to the matchday squad against Southampton today (Saturday).
His presence has been sorely missed and has arguably been one of the reasons why the Whites find themselves in a relegation battle. The 26-year-old was one of the shining stars in Three Lions’ run to the Euro 2020 final last year. After the tournament, rumours circulated that a number of the Premier League’s big-hitters were interested in purchasing the midfield maestro.
Phillips - who is contracted at Elland Road until 2024 - ultimately stayed at his hometown club. But with Marcelo Bielsa now gone and Leeds in difficulty, many are speculating he could move on this summer.
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Wright is seemingly one of those. Speaking on The Kelly & Wright Show (as transcribed by MOT Leeds News), he said: “He’s a sought-after player. Phillips doesn’t strike me as a player who wants to play for Leeds. He wants to win things.”
The 58-year-old added that in order to keep the likes of Phillips and Raphinha - who has been linked with a move to Barcelona among other clubs - Leeds need to reset their focus next season, should survival be secured. He continued: “Leeds need to start putting things in place where they’re challenging for Europe for the likes of him and Raphinha to stay but I think Raphinha will leave (this summer).”
Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be interested in Phillips, but the Sun claims the Yorkshireman is set to sign a new deal at Leeds. The report says that any discussions over a new contract have been halted with the player in the process of finding a new agent for the summer.
Any new deal would almost certainly incur a hefty wage increase. Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle are also all reportedly in the market for Phillips, should a new contract not materialise.
